William of Sens was a French architect that lived in the 12th century. He is credited with bringing the Early Gothic style in England, being in charge of rebuilding the Canterbury Cathedral after it was damaged in a fire. It is believed that he also worked on constructing of the Cathedral of Sens and several other cathedrals across France.
Background
Birth date of William of Sens remains unknown, but it is speculated that he was born during the first decades of the 12th century. He was certainly French and his name suggests that he was born in Sens, a town that was an archiepiscopal see at the time (under the authority of an archbishop). This is why it can be presumed that William was born into a pious family. His name is spelled Guillaume in French.
Education
William spent his early years in his hometown in France. Although there is no data about his formal education, it is presumed that he studied architecture and religion and possessed an extensive knowledge on those subjects. He also learned the craft of masonry, which came in handy because of his desire to become an architect.
Career
Some sources state that he quickly got famous in his town for being a great artisan. This is probably why he was trusted with designing and constructing the famous Cathedral of Saint Stephen in Sens, which was one of the first Gothic cathedrals to have ever been built. His reputation quickly spread through France and he was engaged to work on more cathedrals, including the ones at Soissons and Reims, as well as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
In 1174, a fire broke out at the Cathedral of Canterbury in England, destroying the great part of its east wing. As the other parts of the cathedral were also in a bad shape, the monks asked for major repairs, which was approved by King Henry VII. Among the several architects who have proposed their plans for reconstruction, William’s plan was chosen, and he moved to England to undertake the task he is most famous for today.
The rebuilding of the Canterbury Cathedral began in 1175, and it represented the arrival of the Early Gothic style to England. Until then, the style was already popular in France, allegedly thanks to William, and soon quickly spread through entire England. Unfortunately, William suffered major injuries after falling from a scaffold in 1178. He was left paralyzed and was unable to continue with the work, despite the fact that he tried to lead the project from his bed. The reconstruction was finished by William the Englishman in 1184.
The fall left big consequences on William of Sens and due to them, he passed away in 1180. Sources differ when it comes to the location of his death, with some claiming he died in Canterbury, while others state that he returned to France.
(The reconstruction of the Canterbury Cathedral after the ...)
1175
Religion
Considering that he was born in a town that was under the authority of an archbishop and the fact that he worked mainly on cathedrals, it is presumed that William was a devoted catholic.
Politics
There are no records regarding the political views of William of Sens. It is believed that he supported the French monarchy and the Capetian dynasty.
Views
William was a very innovative man. When he presented his plan for the reconstruction of the Canterbury Cathedral, he didn’t revert to the Norman style but instead presented the Early Gothic style, which was completely new for England of the time. This is why he is credited for bringing this style to England. Soon, Early Gothic became popular across the country.
When William was planning the reconstruction of the Canterbury Cathedral’s choir, he implemented sexpartite vaulting, columns of stone colored in contrast and the form of the high arcades. He also copied the flying buttressed from Notre-Dame. These can still be seen today on the north side of the church.
Personality
William was considered to me an ambitious and proud man. He was described by Gervase, the monk of Christ Church in Canterbury, as a bit too proud. Gervase considered that this might have been the reasons why William fell of a scaffolding, as he believed that to have been the vengeance of God.
Quotes from others about the person
"The vengeance of God or the spite of the Devil." - the monk Gervase on William's fall
Interests
Religion
Philosophers & Thinkers
Thomas Becket
Politicians
King Henry VII
Writers
Abbot Suger
Artists
Gislebertus
Connections
There is no existing data about William of Sens' family.